The 38th Annual World Open is in progress in the city of King of Prussia at the Valley Forge Convention Center. The tournament has attracted a strong Indian contingent along with GMs such as Francisco Vallejo-Pons, Loek Van Wely and Luke McShane. The top U.S. player Hikaru Nakamura will not be present at this year’s event, but Gata Kamsky and Alexander Onischuk headline the list of U.S. players vying for the $250,000 prize fund.

Hey, Daaim! I certainly miss being able to go to the BIG Open anymore, but I’m hopeful that when my health is restored, I’ll be down in Philly for future World Open with the rest of you guys! I was surprised that Gata Kamski didn’t have a better showing, and I was also wondering where Naka was? I hope you had a great time this year, and now I’m gonna go and checkout the photos you took…!

Also, Justus Williams (12 years old) scored an amazing 5.5/9 in the U 2400 section. He and James Black are currently with me in Dallas, Texas for some intensive studying at the 12th US Chess School (www.uschessschool.com).

Good to see you still alive and kicking. We used to talk all the time in tournaments in Connecticut back in the 80’s and early 90’s. In fact, you even beat me in a game/30 in Waterbury in 88′. Get well so that I can get a chance to get revenge ….LOL.

Hey, Quentin! Thanks for the comment directed at me! It’s been over 20 years since I left Connecticut, but it was great fun living there! I’ve been back in New York State since 1990, and the only chess I get to do these days is to enjoy the Chess Drum and the Chessbase Web sites. I’m impressed that you remember our game from 1988… I certainly don’t recall that game, but I do remember playing in a few events held in Waterbury. We either were at the Library or Rob Roy’s house? Remember Rob Roy, he was our loyal tournament director? Do you play much chess, what are you doing these days? I’m thinking about retiring soon… from active work, that is! Once I don’t have to go to work anymore, I’m hoping to get back into chess a little! Thanks again for the nice comment, and I certainly hope to give you a chance for revenge, but I can’t promise that you’ll like it… 8>)

Ken, of course I remember you! We did battle many a time in Syracuse, and i think maybe a few times elsewhere? You were always a challenge to me, because you played a solid game, and I really never could take beating you for granted… i always had to be careful and just try to catch you off guard! There was a guy I knew back in the 70’s when i was at SU named Mike Labins. He was a very humorous guy and used to refer to you as “ChamberDeath”, like the old English GM named Blackburn who was known as the “Black Death”… I always thought that was so funny, but appropriate! I hope to play you again sometime… maybe in one of Joe Ball’s tournaments? God bless you always! —- Everest